Manuka Health opens multi-million dollar facility in the land of milk and honey

Manuka Health officially opened the doors of its brand new multi-million dollar, purpose-built honey processing and distribution centre, on Friday 21 November 2014. It is now the largest customised honey facility in New Zealand.

Manuka Health is a natural health company and manuka honey is a key ingredient in its product portfolio and has enjoyed dramatic growth since starting in 2006 and exports to 45 countries.

“I am very excited that we are making an economic and social contribution to regional New Zealand and bring the world’s attention to the value of manuka honey. This new facility enables us to continue our growth and increase exports into more countries,” said Manuka Health CEO Kerry Paul.

“This Grand Opening is the culmination of two years of hard work by our team and project partners, he said. “This is a milestone event and the investment represents a significant step in the development of New Zealand’s Manuka honey industry.”

“In only eight years we have grown a multi-million dollar business using natural New Zealand goodness, enhancing it and share it with the world; and due to our focus, we think and operate differently than our competitors.”

Manuka Health’s success is based on the scientific discovery of methylglyoxal, known as MGO, responsible for the stable, anti-bacterial activity in Manuka Honey and provides a credible rating for authentic manuka honey and associated products.

NZ Ministry for Primary Industries announced earlier this year that MGO is the preferred measure for methylglyoxal content, assuring consumers of the benefits from the most potent and recognised manuka honey on the market.

Manuka Health has enjoyed a 30% increase in sales compared to the previous year and has further strengthened its distribution network. The new facility enables the company to triple production from 672 tonnes to 2,200 to meet growing demand, with greater scale and efficiencies.

The Manuka Health facility combines internationally accredited laboratories, honey-drum storage, blending, packing and distribution under one roof for the first time in our history. Combined with an extensive investment in hives, hive health and research and development, Manuka Health is a leader in the innovative, natural health space.

“With a simple, raw product and our scientific methods we preserve the bioactivity and potency of the natural ingredients and make it into world leading, high value foods and health products. We are committed to continuing R&D to provide the scientific evidence to support product development.”

Mr Paul says “Our new facility allows for continued growth and expansion, supporting our ongoing commitment to provide premium New Zealand natural products for the wellbeing of our customers throughout the world.”

Grand Opening celebrations included beekeepers, industry partners, and special guest, Dr Peter Molan, founder of Manuka Honey science with over 40 years of manuka honey research and international customers from across Australia, Asia and Europe.

Global macro trends including the ageing population and increased spending on health and well-being, particularly around preventative measures, bode well for the continued success of Manuka Health.

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About Manuka Health
Manuka Health is a major player in the global natural healthcare market with ambition to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people around the world by harnessing the scientifically proven benefits of New Zealand’s unique bioactives from native flora and fauna. We guarantee 100% pure bioactive ingredients in the range of quality, innovative natural healthcare products we produce and harvest.

Starting in 2006, our unique products are now available in more than 45 markets across the world. We are committed to continuing R&D and innovation as we look towards the next generation of added value products that continue to improve our customers' quality of life.

Manuka Health’s scientific methylgloxal rating system is recognised by NZ’s Ministry for Primary Industries as a leading standard for global consumers, enabling them to quickly evaluate the characteristics of the honey products they purchase.